Moore County Schools proposes capital funds to cover $126,473 playground invoice after county sweep of unused school construction funds

District staff told the board that a long‑lead playground order for McDeeds Creek resulted in a late invoice and that county finance swept remaining prior construction funds to reduce outstanding debt. The district requested $126,473.42 from capital funds to complete payment for the playground equipment, which was already installed.

Interim Superintendent Purvis said the order was placed in March 2025 but manufacturing lead time delayed invoicing until November; county finance later applied remaining funds to debt reduction because of timing. ‘‘That is $126,473.42 that we would utilize from capital funds to cover the remainder of the McDeeds Creek playground,’’ Purvis told the board.

Board members questioned whether the district had appropriately obligated or earmarked the funds and urged improvements to county–district communication about encumbrances. Staff said they will add an extra administrative step to notify county finance when a line item is intended for an invoice so allocated funds are not swept in future budget operations.

The item will be on the board’s action agenda for the Jan. 12 regular meeting for final approval.